Healthier meat & dairy

• Current controversies
• Pastured meat and dairy
• Hormones and antibiotics
• rBGH
• Factory farming
• Country of origin labeling (COOL)
• PCC's quality standards
• Links & resources

Country of origin labeling

By September 30, 2008, food manufacturers and grocery stores had to comply with a new federal law (PDF) that requires country of origin labeling (COOL) on beef, pork, chicken and lamb.

The new labels tell consumers whether their food came from animals raised in the U.S. or another country. The law also covers many perishable items, such as whole fresh fruits and vegetables, and some nuts.

While the new COOL rules are a significant improvement over previous labeling requirements, PCC Natural Markets, Consumers Union, and Food and Water Watch (PDF) want several loopholes closed. The definition of “processed” foods would exempt many products, including mixed salad greens, frozen fruits and vegetables, cured meat products, and roasted nuts.

All of PCC's meat is raised in the Western United States.

PCC also has supported COOL legislation for years (see our public policy statements here and here and voluntarily complied with COOL standards long before it was mandatory.